otions are very
awkward, not a little resembling those of the alligator.

A considerable number are taken by strong hooks, and, as the flesh is
esteemed for food, are sold in the market.

THE SNAPPING TURTLE.

Although the last-named creature is sometimes called the snapping
turtle, the animal to which the name appropriately applies is a very
different creature. Its other name is the fierce trionyx.

It belongs to the family of tortoises, popularly called soft turtles.
Its flattened head is rather oval, with horny jaws, and hanging fleshy
lips, the mouth lengthened into a cylindrical snout. It has an
extremely long neck, which it can contract at will; short, wide feet;
and toes connected by strong webs. It is the most savage and formidable
of its tribe; being terribly destructive, not only among fish, but
smaller quadrupeds, birds, and reptiles, which it can capture. For this
object it lies in wait till they come down to drink, or till some
water-fowl flies too close to its haunt. It is said even to capture and
eat young alligators.

Though devouring so many other creatures, the snapping turtle is often
eaten himself; being hooked and drawn on shore by the fishermen. It
fights, on such occasions, and struggles ferociously, darting its head
here and there, endeavouring to seize the hands of its captors with its
formidable jaws.

It possesses extraordinary tenacity of life; and even after the head is
cut off, the body, it is asserted, will crawl for a short way over the
ground.

LIZARDS:--THE SIX-LINED TARAGUINA.

We shall find several lizards in various parts of America--the greater
number in the Southern States. The first we meet with is the six-lined
taraguina, belonging to the family of teguexins, which are remarkable
for the many-sided shields which cover their heads, and the double
collar on the throat. This little creature is much smaller than the
rest of its family--being only about eleven inches in length--of a
darkish green or brown colour, with six narrow yellow streaks along its
body, one of which on each side reaches from the eye to the middle of
the tail. The lower part is of a silvery white hue, with a bluish tinge
in some parts.

It is an excessively lively, active animal, living in dry and sandy
places, where it may be found searching for insects. As it is very
timid, it takes to flight at the slightest sound, and is not easily
caught.

THE GLASS SNAKE.

As the spring comes on, a